The Kenmore Elite HE3 Washer Drive Pull Is Loose

Symptoms of a Loose Drive Pull

• Although a Kenmore washing machine can still operate with a loose drive pull, a washing cycle won’t run as smoothly as it normally does. For example, you may hear noises, such as banging, rattling or squeals, coming from the washer during the agitation and spin cycles. After the cycle ends and as you empty the wash load, you may notice that the washtub is more wobbly than usual and doesn’t seem stable. Sometimes a washing machine with a loose drive pull can have a burning smell.

Repair or Replacement

• Since a drive pull is made of thick black rubber, it can become stretched out over time with regular use. When this happens, the drive pull can’t maintain its hold on the washtub and may slip or eventually break. In either case, there’s nothing you can do to restore its elasticity once a drive pull wears out. The only way to restore function of your Kenmore washer is to replace the drive pull with a new one.

General Repair Information

• You can always schedule a service appointment with Kenmore to have a technician come out to your home and replace the drive pull for you. This ensures that the replacement is done right. However, if you’re relatively comfortable making minor appliance repairs, you can replace the old drive pull yourself. Either contact Kenmore to order a new drive pull for your Elite HE3 washer or obtain one from an appliance retailer that sells Kenmore repair parts.

Basic Steps for Repair

• To replace the drive pull, begin by moving the washing machine away from the wall and unplugging it. Remove the washer’s back access panel; there are a set of screws that hold it in place. Once you've removed the panel, you can access the drive pull. Unscrew the motor’s mounting bolts to relieve tension on the drive pull to make it easier to remove. Depending on the washer’s model year, there may also be two or three clamps that secure the drive pull around the washtub. If your washing machine is so equipped, unscrew each clamp’s screws until the drive pull comes loose and you can slide it off the washtub. Insert the replacement drive pull over the transmission pulley then over the motor pulley before sliding it around the entire washtub. Tighten the clamps' screws to secure the drive pull in place and tighten the motor’s mounting bolts so there’s no more than 1/2-inch of tension on the drive pull. Reattach the access panel then plug in the washing machine and move it back against the wall.